Modular Valve System

ABSTRACT

A modular valve system having fixed valve ports with frame openings on the exterior of each port. Corresponding connectors or plugs are designed to fit within the valve ports and be locked in place by a clip passing through the framed openings and around the connector or plug. The internal valve component may be electrically or mechanically controlled. The modular valve system may be connected to a vehicle coolant system to control fluid flow to a heat exchanger or bypassing the heat exchanger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/929,281 filed on Nov. 1, 2019, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates generally to valve systems.

BACKGROUND

Valves are used in many systems to control and direct the flow of gas orliquids through the system. For example, household water faucets includea valve to control whether water is flowing and how much. Differentvalves are designed for specific jobs and implementations. Valve size isoften configured to manage a desired flow rate and withstand anypressure within the system.

A vehicle heating and cooling system circulates fluids through multiplecomponents—such as a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and heatercores—to condition the air. This system uses high and low pressure flowsto control air conditioning. In addition to managing cabin temperature,some vehicles use the heating and cooling system to heat or coolcomponents within the vehicle. For example, vehicles may includefeatures to cool electronics. Other vehicles use the cooling system towarm an engine on cold days.

Vehicle heating and cooling system valves are typically mounted to aframe that holds the valve in place and supports the valve controlcomponents—e.g., an electronic servo. These valves include valve portsextending from the internal valve component. For example, a three-wayball valve may include three valve ports extending from a central bodythat houses the ball valve. The open path between the valve portsdepends on the orientation of the ball. The ball valve may be designedto permit only a single pathway between two ports at a time, open allthree ports or shut off the fluid flow entirely.

Valve ports are typically fixed to a valve chamber and provide a rigidstructure for connecting a tube to the valve. For example, a tube may befitted over the valve port and held in place using an external clamp.

Installation thus requires mounting the frame, holding the valve,connecting the tube to the valve port and securing, but without over- orunder-tightening, the tube to the valve port. This process has becomeincreasingly difficult as the space within vehicles has compressed. Thisis an even greater challenge in smaller vehicles—such as smallautomobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, tractors, farmequipment, golf carts, utility vehicles, side-by-side vehicles, etc.

Valves are made in multiple shapes and sizes, with a variety of portdesigns, to accommodate each environment's available space andconnection sizes. Not only will different types of environments dictatesize and shape, often the options can be brand specific. For example,the space in a Honda vehicle may be vastly different than a Toyota. Thisrequires valve manufacturers and suppliers to keep a variety of valvesin their inventory for each potential use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a modular valve system having a compactbody and inset ports around the valve. The system further includes aseries of modular connectors configured to engage the ports. Theconnectors facilitate multiple configurations for the valve system. Themodular valve system may be installed in limited space environmentsusing preferred connector configurations to best fit the space.

In some embodiments, the modular valve system is a three-way valve. Theports may form a “T” shape through the valve with two ports axiallyaligned and the third port perpendicularly aligned. In some embodiments,the valve is attached to an electronic servo for controlling theoperation. In some embodiments, the servo may be connected physically orwirelessly with a sensor and adjust operation of the system based onsensor signals.

The housing of the valve body may have ports directed internally to thevalve component. In addition, the housing of the valve body may includea framed section around the exterior of each port through which theconnector will engage the inset port. The port may include an internalportion adjacent to the valve chamber and a rim that is set back andadjacent to the frame.

The connectors include a first end designed to engage the valve port andcreate a fluid-tight seal. A channel holding an O-ring or other seal orgasket may be near the first end and located between the end edge and araised flange. When the connector engages the port, the first end mayabut an internal portion of the port and the raised flange may abut therim. A second channel may be located behind the raised flange prior tothe connector's extended portion.

In some embodiments, an opening in the frame and the second channel inthe connector align. A locking clip may be inserted through the frameand may wrap around the connector to hold the connector in the engagedposition. In some embodiments, the locking clip may include one or morebarbs designed to catch the frame's strut to keep the locking clip inplace.

The connectors may include a variety of designs and shapes, such asextended tube ports that are straight, angled or curved. Connectors mayalso include rigid or flexible tubes to connect directly to anothercomponent in the system. For example, the connector may attach directlybetween the intersection of the valve and a heat exchanger in a vehicleHVAC system. In some embodiments, one or more connectors may alsosupport the valve without the need to attach the valve to a supportframe. The modular valve system may also include plugs designed toengage a select valve port to allow the three-way valve to operate as atwo-way valve that may allow or shut off fluid flow.

In some embodiments, the connectors may be attached to tubes or hosesprior to installation. The attachment may occur at the manufacturer, ata distributor or vendor, or at the installation location. If theconnector is pre-attached to a tube, the tube may be connected directlyto the valve during installation by engaging the connector with thevalve port. In some embodiments, connectors may be attached to bothsides of a hose at the manufacturer in order to be used betweencomponents that each have framed engagement ports like the valve.

In some embodiments, the modular valve system may be connected to avehicle heating and cooling system between an engine block output and aheater core or heat exchanger. Fluid exiting from the heat exchanger orthe valve's third stem may be directed through a return loop, passing bythe engine crankcase before entering a radiator, which reduces thetemperature of the fluid. The cooled fluid may then return to the engineblock to continue the loop. During operation, a manual control or asystem sensor may direct the servo to change the orientation of thevalve between the heater core path and the return loop path.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreferences to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1B is a front view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1C is a right side view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1D is a back view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1E is a left side view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1F is a bottom view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 1G is a top view of an embodiment of a three-way valve;

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of a three-way valve with anattached control component;

FIG. 2B is a back perspective view of an embodiment of a three-way valvewith an attached control component;

FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a three-way valvewith an attached control component;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an embodiment of a three-way valve withmodular connectors attached;

FIG. 3B is a back view of an embodiment of a three-way valve withmodular connectors attached;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a clip for the modular valvesystem;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a straight modularconnector;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angled modularconnector;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of another embodiment of an angled modularconnector;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular plugcomponent;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a dual-sided connector; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a modular valve systemimplemented in an HVAC system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there willherein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the inventionwith the understanding that the present disclosure is to be consideredas an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is notintended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodimentsillustrated. It will be understood that the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and theinvention is not to be limited to the details given herein. As usedherein, air conditioning may refer to conditioning of the air byheating, cooling, modifying speed of the airflow and/or otherconditioning. In addition, fluid flow refers to all matter that moveslike a fluid, including gases and liquids, unless specified.

FIGS. 1A-F show various views of valve 100 having three ports aligned ina sideways “T” shape. Top port 102 is shown aligned directly abovebottom port 106, and side port 104 is directed perpendicularly to theright side of valve 100. The directional terms (top, bottom, right,etc.) are used for reference with respect to the figures and do notlimit the orientation or installation of the valve 100 or other elementsdescribed. While the embodiment shown depicts a three port design, otherembodiments include multi-port valves with two or more ports. Inaddition, other embodiments may use alternative configurations to the“T” shape illustrated.

The valve 100 includes control stem 110 connected to an internal valvemember 134, which is visible in FIG. 1C within port 104. The valvemember 134 in this embodiment is designed to rotate around the axisdefined by the placement of the valve member 134 through the controlstem 110. The valve member 134 may have internal pathways making a “T”shape. As the valve member 134 rotates, the pathways change to open andconnect different ports. For example, FIG. 1C shows valve 100 with avalve member 134 in a position causing a closed, side port 104, an open,top port 102 and an open, bottom port 106 creating pathway 136. If valvemember 134 is turned 90 degrees clockwise (based on the orientation inFIG. 1B), top port 102 will become shut and side port 104 will beconnected to bottom port 106 through a new pathway. In some embodiments,the valve 100 may be designed to only allow a limited number ofconfigurations. In other embodiments, the valve member 134 may be freelyrotatable to allow all options. In some embodiments, the valve member134 may be a ball valve.

The control stem 110 is attached to the valve member 134 and operable toturn the valve member 134 within the body of the valve 100. In someembodiments, the control stem 110 may be manually turned using a handle,wire control or an actuator. For example, a lever or plate may beattached to the control stem 110, and a cable may be connected to thelever or plate to facilitate mechanical control of the valve member 134.

In addition, the body of valve 100 includes control posts 114 forconnecting a controller, such as a mechanical or electrical device tocontrol the control stem 110. In this embodiment, control posts 114 arehollow and designed to accept a screw, bolt or other engaging component.

On the opposite side of the control posts 114 are a series of mountingposts 130, which are also hollow to accept an engaging component in thisembodiment. These mounting posts 130 allow the valve 100 to be connecteddirectly to a structure without the need for an additional framecomponent. The valve 100 can be installed and mounted to a surface whiletaking up less space than conventional designs that use a framecomponent to connect a valve and control mechanism to a surface. In someinstallations, the mounting posts 130 may not be necessary to usebecause the compact and lightweight nature of the valve 100 may besupported through a connection between an external component and one ofthe ports 102, 104 or 106. Some embodiments may not include the mountingposts 130.

In some embodiments, the posts 114 or 130 may be replaced with otherconnection components. For example, the posts 114 or 130 may have clipconnectors that are designed to pass through a corresponding hole in astructure or device and expand to hold the valve 100 to the structure ordevice. The clips may have one or multiple teeth to allow the clip toconnect at different depths.

FIGS. 2A-C show the valve 100 with the control stem 110 attached to anactuator 108. The actuator 108 may be electrically or mechanicallyoperated. The control stem 110 is engaged with the actuator 108 througha corresponding rotary shaft 112. The control stem 110 and rotary shaft112 are configured to have corresponding designs akin to gear designs.In the designs shown, the control stem 110 has an extended portion andthe rotary shaft 112 has a corresponding channel designed to fit withthe extended portion. As the actuator 108 rotates the rotary shaft 112,the engaged control stem 112 is also rotated causing the valve member134 within the valve body to rotate changing the pathways inside thevalve 100.

The housing of actuator 108 is attached to the valve 100 at controlposts 114 using a screw 116. In other embodiments, the designs of theconnecting components and the connectors used to attach the actuator 108to the valve 100 may vary. For example, the control posts 114 may bedesigned to pass through openings in the actuator 108 housing and thenbe secured to each other with straps across the actuator 108.Alternatively, the devices may be connected by an adhesive, threadedpost, tie, clamp, clip, welded connection or other known connections. Asanother alternative, one or more portions of the body of valve 100 andactuator 108 may be molded together or otherwise integrated.

The ports 102, 104 and 106 each have a frame 120 extending outward. Theframe includes a first ring 124 and a second ring 126 spaced apart fromthe first ring 124 by a pair of struts 122 and channeled struts 132. Thefirst ring 124 is closer to the center of valve 100 than the second ring126. These components of the frame 120 create frame openings between thefirst ring 124 and second ring 126.

FIGS. 3A-B show the valve 100 with connectors 140, 142 and 144 inrespective ports 102, 104 and 106. In this embodiment, the connectors140, 142 and 144 are the same design and are attached to the ports 102,104 and 106 in the same way. Connector 140 is engaged within the topport 102 to create a strong and fluid-tight seal. The connector 140 islocked in place using a locking clip 150, which passes through theopenings in the frame 120 around one strut 122. The clip 150 furtherwraps around a channel in the connector 140 and then extends to eachside of the second strut 122. The clip 150's engagement with the frame120 and the channel of connector 140 help hold the connector 140 inplace even when pressure increases occur in the valve 100.

Clip 150 is shown in FIG. 4. The clip 150 includes a first arm 152connected to a second arm 154 by a bridge 156. The end opposite from thebridge 156 has opening 158. This embodiment includes opening 160 at thebase of the bridge 156. Prongs 162 flank each side of the opening 160and are pointed toward the opening 160 of the bridge 156. When the clip150 is inserted through the frame 120 to hold the connector 140 inplace, the arms 152 and 154 pass on each side of one strut 122 and thenflex apart to fit around the connector 140 before pulling back togetherto grip the connector 140. In addition, the prongs 162 flex apart whenpassing by the strut 122 and return to the default position once theyhave passed the strut 122. This creates a locking feature to hold theclip 150 in place in the frame 120 while also locking the connector 140to the valve 100.

Some embodiments may include alternative designs of clip 150. Forexample, the bridge 156 may be narrower with the arms 152 and 154meeting at a more significant angle. In addition, the shoulder sectionstransitioning from the bridge 156 to each arm 152 and 154 may be reducedto form a smoother transition from the top of the bridge 156 down eacharm 152 and 154. Similarly the ends of each arm 152 and 154 oppositefrom the bridge may be reduced to continue the outer curvature. Thematerials of clip 150 may also vary while maintaining the strength andflexibility to snap into place and prevent the connector fromdisengaging from the port. Materials may include plastics, nylons,metals and other similar materials or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 5A-C show various port connectors. FIG. 5A shows the straightconnector 140 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B engaged with valve 100.Connector 140 has an engagement region 170 for connecting to a framedport and a connection region 172 for connecting to a tube or otherexternal component. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the term tube may include pipes, hoses and other fluid transfercomponents. The connection region is around the exterior opening 174 andthe engagement region 170 is around the interior opening 178, which willbe in a valve port or other port.

The engagement region 170 includes the end flange 176 and sealingchannel 180 leading up to the engagement flange 184. A sealing O-ring182 is in the sealing channel 180. The sealing O-ring 182 may be arubber, neoprene, silicone, nylon or other material configured to createa fluid-tight seal between the engagement region 170 of the connectorand a valve port, such as top port 102 in valve 100. Some embodimentsmay use an alternative to the sealing O-ring 182, such as a gasket,sealing sleeve or other seal.

The size and shape of the engagement region 170 is configured tocorrespond with a port, such as top port 102. The outer diameter of theend flange 176 is configured to be slightly less than the inner diameterof the top port 102 so that the engagement region fits into the top port102. In addition, the distance from the end flange 176 to the engagementflange 184 may correspond to the depth of the top port 102. For eachport 102, 104 and 106, the valve 100 may include an interior seatadjacent to the valve member 134 and an exterior seat closer to thefirst ring 124. When the connector 140 is installed, the end flange 176may abut the interior seat while the engagement flange abuts theexterior seat. The additional abutments may add to the sealingarrangement between the connector 140 and the top port 102. This may befurther increased if gaskets or sealing materials are added to theabutting edges.

Located between the engagement flange 184 and the connection region 172are a locking channel 190 and raised ring 186 configured to be abackstop for any tube or other component that is placed on theconnection region 172. The locking channel 90 aligns with the openingsin the frame 120 when engaged with valve 100 in one of ports 102, 104 or106. When locked with clip 150, the arms 152 and 154 wrap around theconnector in the locking channel 190 with the back of the engagementflange 184 against the clip 150. During operation of the valve 100, anypressure on the connector 140 will push the engagement flange 184outward against clip 150, which in-turn presses against second ring 126preventing further movement of the connector 140 relative to the valve100.

The connection region 172 of connector 140 is configured to fit within atube or other structure. For example, a tube may fit over the connectionregion 172 from the raised ring 186. The tube may be crimped around theconnection region 172 to attach the tube to the connector 140. Whenconnected to the connection region 172, the angled flange 188 may alsoengage the inner wall of the tube to create a tighter fit and keep thefluid system sealed. When a tube is crimped on the connection region 172behind the angled flange 188, the angled flange 188 acts as a furtherstop to prevent the tube from coming off the connector 140. Otherembodiments may use alternative connection means between the connector140 and the tube or other component, such as an adhesive, frictionconnection, snap-fit connection and other viable attachments thatmaintain a fluid seal and withstand pressure within the system.

FIG. 5B shows an alternative connector to the straight connector 140.The 90-degree connector 192 has the same basic elements as connector 140along with a right-angle joint 194. Specifically, the 90 degreeconnector 192 has the engagement region 170, locking channel 190, raisedring 186 and connection region 172. The right-angle joint 194 is locatedbetween the locking channel 190 and the raised ring 186. In addition,this embodiment depicts the seal channel 180 without an O-ring or othersealing component in place.

FIG. 5C shows another alternative connector. The 45-degree connector 196also has the same basic elements as connector 140 along with a 45-degreeangle joint 198. Specifically, the 45-degree connector 196 has theengagement region 170, locking channel 190, raised ring 186 andconnection region 172. The 45-degree angle joint 198 is located betweenthe locking channel 190 and the raised ring 186.

While straight, 90 degree and 45 degree embodiments are shown, onehaving ordinary skill will recognize that any angle connection that fitsthe valve design and system may be used. In addition, curved connectorsmay be used instead of angled connectors.

As also illustrated by these examples, a variety of connectors may bedesigned using the same basic components for engagement with the port.For example, the modular system may include connectors that engage oneport size while changing the size of the connection region 172 toaccommodate different size tubing or system components. In addition, theconnection region 172 may be designed to facilitate differentconnections. For example, a connector may have a threaded connectionregion to accommodate a corresponding threaded tube or component. Asanother example, the connection region 172 may be designed to facilitatea permanent connection to a tube having an integrated crimpingcomponent. The connector may have a rough or etched surface to betterconnect to a tube using an adhesive.

FIG. 6 shows a plug 200 that is designed to fit in the valve ports 102,104 and 106. The plug 200 may be used to shut an unused port and allowthe valve to operate as a flow control for a single pathway. In otherwords, as the valve member 134 rotates, the fluid flow can transitionbetween fully open and fully shut—wherein the second opening in thevalve member 134 is directed to the plug 200.

Like the connectors described above, the plug includes an engagementregion 210 between the solid end cap 212 and the engagement flange 218.The engagement region 210 includes a seal channel 216 with an O-ring214. On the opposite side of the engagement flange 218 is a lockingchannel 222 adjacent to end 220, which defines a raised ring at the backof the plug 200. During operation, the engagement region 210 is pressedinto a port 102, 104 or 106 and locked in place using a locking clip 150passing through the openings of the frame 120 and around the lockingchannel 222. The endcap 212 operates to plug the port adjacent to thevalve member 134 and the sealing O-ring 214 further seals the plug 200within the port 102, 104 or 106.

FIG. 7 discloses dual-sided connector 300 having a first opening 302 anda second opening 304 and an integrated tube section 306. The dual-sidedconnector 300 has a first engagement region 310 and a second engagementregion 320, each of which is configured to attach to ports like thosedisclosed on valve 100. The first engagement region 310 extends from thefirst end flange 312 to the first engagement flange 318. It includes afirst seal channel 316 having a first seal 314. Similarly, the secondengagement region 320 extends from the second end flange 322 to thesecond engagement flange 328. It includes a second seal channel 326having a second seal 324.

The first locking channel 334 is on the opposite side of the firstengagement flange 318 from the first engagement region 310 and isadjacent to the first raised rim 338. The second locking channel 332 issimilarly between the second engagement flange 328 and the second raisedrim 336. The tube 306 connects the two engagement regions 310 and 320between the two raised rims 336 and 338.

The tube 306 may be a rigid or semi-rigid component or could be aflexible tube. The tube 306 may be designed to support the valve 100when connected to a fixed component, such as a water pump. Suchembodiments may support a valve 100 without mounting posts 130.

FIG. 8 shows a simplified vehicle heating system 400. This heatingsystem 400 includes a three-way valve 402 in the design of valve 100, aheat exchanger 404, an engine 406 and a radiator 408 connected by aseries of tubes. In this system, a T-joint 410 is provided to form abypass loop through the heating system 400 to the third port of valve402.

In this embodiment, the first port of valve 402 is fluidly connected tothe engine 406 by a straight connector 412 attached to tube 414 andfurther secured by the pipe clamp 416. As discussed above, straightconnector 412 engages the first port of the valve 402 and is locked inplace using a clip through the frame and around a channel of thestraight connector 412. In this embodiment, the straight connector 412may be attached to the tube 414 before the straight connector 412 isattached to the valve 402. This allows a person to have more workingspace during the installation process, and leaves the easier attachmentto the valve 402 using the modular system disclosed as the last step. Incontrast, the placement and crimping for a conventional port connectionwithin the tight space is time consuming and can lead to inadvertentmistakes in installation, such as over-tightening (which may break ordamage components) or under-tightening (which may not hold the tube inplace during operation) the clamp or crimping component.

The third port of the valve 402 is attached to a connection rod 418. Aswith other connectors, the connection rod 418 includes the engagementregion and locking channel components for attaching to the valve 402'sthird port. The opposite end of the connection rod may be any pipefitting or a straight section on which a fitting may connect. Forexample, the connection rod 418 may have a threaded second end to allowit to be threaded on the T-joint 410. Alternatively, the connection rod418 may have two engagement ends like the dual-sided connector 300 andthe T-joint 410 may include corresponding framed ports like the valve402.

The second port of the valve 402, which is opposite from the first port,is connected to a dual-sided connector 420. This dual-sided connector420 has an offset configuration allowing the valve 402 to be offset fromthe port connector 422 of the heat exchanger 404. In some embodiments,the dual-sided connector 420 may be a rigid construction designed tosupport the valve 402 in a set position. A person skilled in the artwill understand that the connectors 414, 418 and 420 may be rigid,flexible or any other design suitable for the system and purpose.

The heat exchanger 404 includes two framed ports 422 and 424 configuredto accept and engage the engagement region of a connector as discussedwith other embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize thatframed ports may also be used for creating fluid connections with othercomponents, such as water pumps, condensers, Y-joints, T-joints andother joint designs, extensions, couplers, and other components.

As more components include the framed ports, the modular system becomesmore advantageous. Tubes that are pre-attached to a connector with theengagement region to match the port make the installation process moreefficient. For example, a kit may be provided for installation of anHVAC system in a first utility vehicle. The kit may include a series ofHVAC components having framed ports along with a first set of hoses thatare pre-crimped to port connectors for engaging the framed ports. Asecond kit for a second utility vehicle, having different installationrequirements, may include a distinct second set of hoses that arepre-crimped to port connectors. For both installations, the user can usethe engagement ports for quick assembly without adjusting the hoseconnection to the port connector, which can be difficult and lead toconnection errors.

The heat exchanger 404 also includes a sensor 426 configured tocommunicate with the valve 402. The communication may be wired orwireless. The sensor 426 may be a temperature sensor, pressure sensor,flow rate sensor or any other type of sensor. During operation, thesensor 426 may communicate with the valve 402's control system to modifythe fluid flow. For example, if the pressure is too high, the valve 402may be controlled to reduce pressure or re-route the fluid flow toT-joint 410. As another example, the controller for valve 402 mayreceive a temperature selection from a user and the temperature fromsensor 426. If the temperature from sensor 426 exceeds the thresholdassociated with the user selection, the valve 402 may be changed tobypass the heat exchanger 404 until the temperature is sufficientlyreduced.

The T-joint 410 may include internal one-way valves in some embodimentsto prevent backflow into the tube 430 or connector rod 418 duringoperation. In other embodiments, the shape or design of the T-joint 410shown may be different to direct fluid flow patterns without internalvalves. For example, the T-joint 410 may be replaced with a Y-joint thatis directed downward to tube 432. In some embodiments, the T-joint 410may be replaced with a second valve 402 that operates in coordinationwith the first valve 402 to control the fluid flow.

During operation, fluid flows through the heating system 400 in a loop.Beginning with the radiator 408, cooled fluid enters tube 436 to theengine 406. Within the engine 406, the fluid passes through the engineblock absorbing heat produced by the engine 406. The heated fluid passesfrom the engine 406 through the tube 414 into the valve 402.

When the heat exchanger 404 is in use, the fluid passes straight throughthe valve 402 into the dual-sided connector 420 and then the heatexchanger 404. The heat exchanger 404 may be any known heat exchangerdesign. For heating purposes, the heat exchanger 404 may be a heatercore with many fluid pathways that dissipate heat into an airflow. Afterheat is reduced through the heat exchanger 404, the fluid passes throughtube 430, T-joint 410 and tube 432 back into the engine 406.

Alternatively, the valve 402 is in a configuration to bypass the heatexchanger 404. When bypassing the heat exchanger 404, the fluid passesfrom the valve 402 through the connector rod 418, T-joint 410 and tube432 back into the engine 406.

During this portion of the loop, the heated fluid from the engine blockor the fluid with reduced heat from the heat exchanger 404 passesthrough a different portion of the engine 406. For example, the fluidmay be directed around the crankcase or oil pan. When it leaves thisportion of the engine 406, it passes through tube 434 returning to theradiator 408, which reduces the temperature of the fluid.

The bypass system using valve 402 reduced pressure strain on the systemthat would otherwise occur if the valve was a single path shut offvalve. By allowing fluid flow to continue, the fluid pressure does notbuild up at the single point and continues to flow through the system.

While the process has been described with a simplified heating system400, the valve 402 may be implemented in a cooling system. For example,a three-way valve 402 may be used to bypass a heat exchanger, such as anevaporator, to allow colder fluid to be directed to an engine block orother components that need to be cooled. In addition, the valve may beimplemented in other HVAC systems and fluid flow systems.

One additional benefit provided by the valve 402 is the ability toincrease power efficiency in the system by directing fluid to componentsfor heating and cooling a vehicle compartment only when needed andrerouting the fluid to other components that benefit from thetemperature control while the fluid is not needed for the HVAC systems.For example, in a utility vehicle that is left running during use, thesystem may shift fluids to other systems while the vehicle is idling andback to the HVAC system when the vehicle is in gear. The modular valvesystem may operate in conjunction with other sensor and control systems,such as occupancy sensors, cabin sensors, engine sensors, etc., tomaximize efficiency throughout the vehicle.

The invention being thus described and further described in the claims,it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the invention and all such modifications as would be obvious toone skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope ofthe apparatus described.

1. A modular valve system, comprising: a. a valve having a valve member within an internal chamber of a valve body, wherein the valve member has a control stem that passes through the valve body and is operable to rotate the valve member, and wherein the valve body comprises: i. a first port open to the internal chamber and having a first frame on an exterior, wherein the first frame has first frame openings defined by a first pair of rings separated by a first strut, and ii. a second port open to the internal chamber and having a second frame on an exterior, wherein the second frame has second frame openings defined by a second pair of rings separated by a second strut; b. a connector having an engagement region including a seal on an engaging end, wherein the engagement region fits into and seals against at least one of the first port and the second port, and wherein the connector has a locking channel and an engagement flange between the locking channel and the engagement region; and c. a locking clip having two arms that are connected by a bridge section on a first clip end and define a clip opening at a second clip end, wherein the locking clip further includes a pair of prongs within a bridge opening, wherein the locking clip is configured to pass through at least one of the first frame openings and the second frame openings, the locking clip further wraps around the locking channel of the connector, and wherein the pair of prongs pass around and then lock on an opposite side of at least one of the first strut and the second strut.
 2. The modular valve system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator having a rotary shaft, which is operable to rotate based on control signals, wherein the control stem engages the rotary shaft and rotates when the rotary shaft rotates, thereby changing the position of the valve member within the valve body.
 3. The modular valve system of claim 2, wherein the connector supports the valve and actuator without a frame during operation.
 4. The modular valve system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of connectors, each including the engagement region and the locking channel, and each operable to engage at least one of the first port and the second port.
 5. The modular valve system of claim 4, wherein the connector is a first port connector, and a second port connector is selected from the plurality of connectors.
 6. The modular valve system of claim 1, wherein the connector has a second end opposite from the engagement region, wherein the second end is at least one of an angled connection port and a connection port having a second engagement region and a second locking channel.
 7. The modular valve system of claim 1 having a third port operable to accommodate the connector and form a fluid seal with the connector.
 8. An air conditioning system comprising; a. a plurality of framed engagement ports, wherein each of the framed engagement ports includes an inner ring and an outer ring separated by a strut that together define a frame opening between the inner ring and the outer ring, and each of the framed engagement ports opens to a fluid pathway; b. a modular valve having at least three of the plurality of framed engagement ports located around a valve chamber containing a valve member operable to change fluid pathways through between the at least three of the plurality of the framed engagement ports; c. a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors having a locking channel and an engagement region near one end of the connector, wherein the engagement region of each of the plurality of connectors engages at least one of the plurality of framed engagement ports; d. a plurality of clips configured to pass through the frame opening and around the strut and the locking channel of the connector; and e. a second air conditioning system component having at least one of the plurality of framed engagement ports.
 9. The air conditioning system of claim 8, wherein the second air conditioning system component is a heat exchanger.
 10. The air conditioning system of claim 8 further comprising tube joints having at least one of the plurality of framed engagement ports. 